Story by Tamuka Charakupa
The Mashonaland West Athletics Board has intensified its talent identification efforts, with athletics training now a year-round exercise.
The province is aiming high, setting its sights on producing athletes for the 2028 Olympic Games. Young athletes are reaping the benefits of the increased focus, with access to expert coaching and training.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to train all year round because we are also receiving expert mentoring with regards to physical and mental training,” said a young athlete.
Mashonaland West Atheletics Board chaiperson, Enias Nhoro emphasised the province’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
“As a province, we are the national NAPH and NASSH champions. As such, we have gone beyond training for local competitions. We have an ambitious target of producing athletes who will compete at international levels hence we are not stopping on training and talent identification. Producing Olympic athletes is not a process of a single day but intensive training and mentoring,” he said.
Nhoro also highlighted the urgent need for improved training facilities
“Every province should have at least one standard rubberised track so that our athletes familiarise with how they work. We are training in heavy grounds which is an advantage, but when in reality our athletes do not even know how to handle starting blocks for example. This tells why it is critical to invest in such infrastructure and once sport is that exciting, we would have rescued many from engaging in social ills such as drug and substance abuse,” he added.
The integration of sports into the heritage-based learning curriculum is another focus area
“Sport is now a viable industry which can sustain livelihoods. World over, athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo earn millions and thousands per day and it is within the same mentality that we are mentoring children to be able to gain something from their talents. In so doing we are implementing the new heritage-based learning where life skills are being impacted on our children,” explained Mashonaland West Provincial Education Director, Mr Gabriel Mhumha.
Mashonaland West’s dedication to athletics is evident in its recent victories at the National Association of Primary Heads and the National Association of Secondary School Heads Competitions.
